khat

/ kɑːt; kæt /

noun

1. a white-flowered evergreen shrub, Catha edulis, of Africa and Arabia, whose leaves have narcotic properties
2. the leaves of this shrub, chewed or prepared as a drink

Word History and Origins

Origin of khat¹

C19: from Arabic qāt

Example Sentences

The chemical name for the substance is N,N-Dimethylpentylone hydrochloride, an analogue for the naturally occurring chemical cathinone found in the khat plant.

From Washington Times

Though some question why the narcotic leaf khat is not on his agenda, given its massive popularity.

From BBC

"They control our lives. We spend all our money on khat instead of our families, which are lost to us."

From BBC

Whereas they used to chew the narcotic leaf khat - which is not illegal - drink alcohol, sniff glue or smoke hashish, more and more people are abusing opioids which they inject directly into their veins.

From BBC

Many men use them as everyday wear, while others put them on to relax in the evenings or to recline more comfortably while chewing the narcotic leaf khat.

From BBC